Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
Mr. Lemon and I took different approaches to the bridal party gifts. I went and got all of my girls the exact same thing. He, on the other hand, went in search of something different for his guys.
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
It was a hit with the guests long before we ever saw them: our OOT bags!
Most of our guests were travelling to reach our wedding… some from SoCal, others from the midwest and the east coast, and we wanted to make sure they made the most of their trip. For that exact reason, I made sure I bought reusable bags that people could keep… which was obviously a good idea since Mr. Lemon’s mom used hers throughout the entire trip!
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
Trashthedress.com held an insanely fun “OC Trash Bash” yesterday (which many girls knew about from my WB posting…hooray!) in Laguna Beach. 10 brides showed up (with 9 grooms) in their full bridal fare… and then there was me. You see, I wanted to go so badly that I got myself a replacement dress to play with in the water, since my dress couldn’t come out and play. The OC Register captured the “behind the scenes” action of the shoot and wrote up an article for the paper today… and we’ll be getting proofs and CDs of our images back from photographers over the next few weeks. Heck, some of my photos are already posted to one of the photographer’s blogs!
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
The urge to DIY comes in many forms: wanting to save $$, putting your personal touch on your wedding, or creating something that you couldn’t have otherwise. My situation called for all three. When I saw the going rate for centerpieces ($50 for something I would laugh at and $300 for something I enjoyed), I resorted to taking care of the task myself. And here’s what I got:
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
Saying that I adored our wedding cake just doesn’t cut it… it was so perfect that I still can’t believe it was ours! Judging by the number of photos I’ve seen from our friends, I think everyone else loved it as well. The smell of sugar emanated off of it and just filled the room with this amazingly happy scent… and when we actually got to taste it, it was better than I remembered from the tasting! Yes, fondant can taste good, especially when it is paired with chocolate with mint cookies and cream!!!
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
We’ve returned to city life after our most excellent honeymoon… and we’re slowly adjusting to using the words “husband” and “wife” in reference to each other. Heck, I had just gotten used to that whole “fiance” thing after a year! It’ll take a bit of work getting used to sharing our small little space in the apartment, referring to Miss Memphis as “our dog” and figuring out the next big move when we relocate to NorCal in August. But enough rambling about the post-wedding stuff Mrs. Lemon… bring on the details of the big day and show us some photos already!!!
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
Getting a gift for Mr. Lemon is a really difficult task since he is the one that is usually bestowing them upon others. He gives gifts to people around the clock for the silliest reasons, but it’s a trait that I adore about him… and not just because I’m the recipient of lots of exotic sodas and video games. He loves gifting… which made the whole wedding present issue such a to-do!
He doesn’t wear a watch, or cologne, or cufflinks… or anything really traditional of the sort. He buys himself (or me) everything that he really really wants… so there’s not a whole lot left to go out and get. So… I decided to go creative and had something made just for him:
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
That’s all I get…. we’re sitting in the San Juan airport in Puerto Rico waiting to get to St. Kitts. We almost missed our connecting flight in Los Angeles, and have spent our 4-hour layover playing ping pong and navigating security with more than 3 oz of MAC products….but we’re getting close to paradise.
The wedding was wonderful and I can’t wait to see it recaptured in photos and in video. I only cried a little bit during the vows, and our Catholic deacon mentioned “divorce” and “erotic poetry” in his homily, and Mr. Lemon looked ridiculously gorgeous in his tux… what more could I ask for!
So…. I’ll see you all next week when we get back to the mainland!!!
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
We took a little break from the wedding planning on the 4th and went and celebrated my parents’ (and Mr. Lemon’s parents) anniversary, and America’s b-day out in Monterey. My dad had arranged months ago to enter us into the local hometown parade, so we both drove our cars in the parade. Mr. Lemon and I painted the signs the night before and at 9am we headed into town to be in the short little parade.
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
As Mr. Lemon described it… “I walked into a wedding nightmare!” We sure had a bunch of things going on around the house yesterday… lots of loose ends to wrap up on projects and things to be laid out that were simply impossible to transport up in the car. But who knew that the biggest thing we’d have to manage would be the doggie park inside our house! My parents’ home is guarded by Mr. Dudley, I brought Miss Memphis with me on Friday, and my grandmother’s dog Mr. Sparky came to visit for the week on Sunday! My dad is trying his best Dog Whisperer routine, and so far it’s working… but it’s definetely tiring trying to manage all of them at once.
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
My second DIY workshop location (parents’ home) is in full gear! I took care of all of my labeling responsibilities on Saturday night. First, the Jones soda labels for the rehearsal dinner favors:
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
Not too shabby if you ask me, considering all of our estimates have been based on 140 people, in a room that can hold a maximum of 160 people! I’m really astounded that so many people are traveling to Monterey for the weekend… but I guess our advanced planning really helped out.
I also think it was a lot of the little things that we did to help everyone out. We sent our STDs last August… which got all family members talking about the event long before travel arrangements could even be booked. Mr. Lemon’s family is almost exclusively on the east coast (PA, NY, MA) and they all cleared their schedules for a week vacation and rented out houses for their little clans to hang out in. I also kept an email list for guests to notify them of special hotel deals that I happened to find, and taught them how to use Priceline for some real steals on accommodations and car rentals. The last thing I ever wanted was for my wedding to be a financial burden on anyone because I happened to grow up in a touristy location.
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
My skin is a mess. Let’s just say my face is not reacting particularly well to the stress I’ve been enduring… or the fact that my monthly visitor is in town… or the summer sweat and heat… or life in general. It’s a gosh darn mess and I needed to end the vicious cycle before it got any worse.
That’s why I escaped in the middle of the day yesterday to get myself a facial, and fast! I really have no excuse as to why I didn’t go get one earlier (especially since I live steps away from Bliss), except that I usually have trouble spending money to primp myself. I wanted to get the job done without the frills, but also wanted to make sure that the results would be good enough to last until next week (and beyond!). So, I went to Santa Monica and visited the Dermalogica spa on Montana Avenue.
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
So, a lot of people have inquired about just how in the heck I printed on my escort cards…and I’m here to tell you that it’s much easier than you think!
First, you need to consider the program that you’re using to print in. In the best circumstances, you have a design layout program like InDesign or Illustrator. The next best thing is a graphics design program like Photoshop… (remember you can always download the FREE opensource designercopy of Photoshop known as GIMPshop). Now, you just need to figure out the measurements of whatever you are printing, and create a new file with those exact dimensions. Read more…
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
I loved the way the seating cards turned out, but I needed to figure out how to let people know where they are sitting. As Mr. Lemon reminded me, we can’t let this wedding look too classy and forget about the two silly kids that are at the center of this event! I adored the button placecard idea that Martha popularized, but since I don’t have a button maker (nor did I want to pay the hefty price for them), I went for the same idea with some new materials. My solution: marble beads.
Mrs. Lemon, Los Angeles/MontereyAge and Occupation in 2006: 26, Graduate Student (Public Policy)Fiance's Age and Occupation in 2006: 29, Environmental ConsultantEngagement Date: April 7, 2006Wedding Date: July 7, 2007Venue: Rosary Chapel & Monterey Marriott, Monterey, CAAbout Me: My FI and I met online, but we like to tell people that we met at a "cookie shop" which is the technical location of our first encounter. He proposed exactly 1 year, 1 month and 6 days after our first date (it's the only part of his proposal speech that I remember), and we're planning long-distance from Los Angeles for a July wedding in my hometown of Monterey, CA. I have a passion for all things "cool, cute and quirky" and I enjoy video games, reading blogs (WeddingBee, trashy celeb, consumer & political) and crafting in my spare time, if I have any!
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
It’ll take a bit of work getting used to sharing our small little space in the apartment, referring to Miss Memphis as “our dog” and figuring out the next big move when we relocate to NorCal in August. But enough rambling about the post-wedding stuff Mrs. Lemon… bring on the details of the big day and show us some photos already!!!
